Consequence, n.
Etymology: [L., consequentia: cf. F. conséquence. See Consequent.]
1. That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause; a result. Shun to taste, And shun the bitter consequence. Milton.
2. (Logic)
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
3. Chain of causes and effects; consecution. Such fatal consequence unites us three. Milton. Link follows link by necessary consequence. Coleridge.
2 more senses
4. Importance with respect to what comes after; power to influence or produce an effect; value; moment; rank; distinction. It is a matter of small consequence. Shak. A sense of your own worth and consequence. Cowper. In consequence, hence; for this cause. -- In consequence of, by reason of; as the effect of.
Syn. -- Effect; result; end. See Effect.
Shades of meaning
Effect is the strongest of these words; it is that which is directly produced by the action of an efficient cause; we say, "Every effect must have an adequate cause" (compare cause). In regard to human actions, effect commonly relates to intention; as, the shot took effect, i. e., the effect intended. A consequence is that which follows an act naturally, but less directly than the effect. The motion of the piston is the effect, and the agitation of the water under the paddle-wheels a consequence of the expansion of steam in the cylinder. The result is, literally, the rebound of an act, depending on many elements; the issue is that which flows forth directly; we say the issue of a battle, the result of a campaign. A consequent commonly is that which follows simply in order of time, or by logical inference. The end is the actual outcome without determination of its relation to what has gone before; it is ordinarily viewed as either the necessary, natural, or logical outcome, any effect, consequence, or result being termed an end; as, the end of such a course must be ruin. The event (L. e, out, and venio, come) is primarily exactly the same in meaning as outcome; but in use it is more nearly equivalent to upshot signifying the sum and substance of all effects, consequences, and results of a course of action. Compare accident; cause; circumstance; end; event.